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VISION To improve vision and eye health by providing high-quality, cost-effective optometric and optical services across Europe. European Council of Optometry & Optics Julie-Anne Little President 40 national associations across 27 countries European Academy of Optometry & Optics European Council of Optometry & Optics • To create a harmonized professional and educational system for optometry and optics based on the European Diploma in Optometry and Optics. • To develop the scope of practice for optometrists and opticians to the degree that the same high standards apply and are mutually recognized in all European countries • To eliminate avoidable blindness and visual impairment in Europe. Optometry and Optics in Europe • Economic conditions and healthcare systems vary from country to country • Scope of practice varies enormously • Education at different levels – University – Hand Craft System • Little harmonisation Overcoming these challenges • Seeking recognition by national authorities • Seeking increased scope of practice • Challenging the medical lobby, e.g. – Germany – France • Development of education • Changes in the delivery of health care • Setting common standards World Council of Optometry • Europe a regional member of WCO WCO Categories of Optometric Services 1. Optical Technology Services dispensing © Feike Grit 2006 2. Visual Function Services dispensing refraction prescription 3. Ocular Diagnostic Services 4. Ocular Therapeutic Services ------------------------------- ------------------------------ a) without drugs b) with drugs dispensing refraction prescription dispensing refraction prescription screening for eye disease diagnosis of eye disease using DPA’s (diagnostics) dispensing refraction prescription diagnosis of eye disease using DPA’s (diagnostics) treatment of eye disease using TPA’s (therapeutics) dispensing refraction prescription diagnosis of eye disease using DPA’s (diagnostics) treatment of eye disease using TPA’s (therapeutics) eye surgery using laser Examples Scope of Practice of Optometry Box 1 Turkey Box 2 Belgium France Iceland Italy Box 3 Austria Czech Rep Denmark Germany Spain Switzerland Box 4 Finland Ireland Netherlands Norway Sweden? Box 5 Australia Canada New Zealand Nigeria UK US OPTICIAN REFRACTING OPTICIAN OPTOMETRIST OPTOMETRIST OPTOMETRIST DOCTOR OF OPTOMETRY dispensing dispensing refraction prescription dispensing refraction prescription screening for eye disease dispensing refraction prescription diagnosis of eye disease using DPA’s (diagnostics) dispensing refraction prescription diagnosis of eye disease using DPA’s (diagnostics) treatment of eye disease using TPA’s (therapeutics) © Feike Grit 2010 ECOO Business Plan Four work strands: • Public Affairs • Education and standard of practice • Communications and organisation • Resource mobilisation Activities • Legislation & regulation • Communication and information to members • European lobbying – e.g. World Sight Day, Fluorescein regulation and supply • Market trends & data • Education – European Diploma & Accreditation and the European Academy of Optometry & Optics Examples of ECOO activities and projects Wasem Report • Comparative Analysis of Delivery of Primary eye care in 3 European Countries (Wasem Report 2011) ECOO Blue book Blue Book update • WCO scope of practice questionnaire ECOO Guidelines for Optometric & Optical Services • Creation of a standard for optometric and optical services Contents: 1. service framework, 2. education, 3. the process, 4. consultation 5. outcomes, 6. dispensing of optical appliances 7. other services • Finalised in Malaga, available soon The European Diploma in Optometry • European syllabus • Set at highest entry level of any country • Political value – To establish a high standard of optometry • Educational value – To encourage raising of educational standards – To meet the expectations of students Accreditation of schools • Using Syllabus of ED to benchmark institutions • Diploma becomes more accessible • Facilitates free movement in Europe • European Standard • Credit for prior achievement • Ladder of qualification Legislation and regulation • Platform for information sharing • Website valuable repository of information • Regular newsletters and press releases Fluorescein issue • Fluorescein strips - medicinal product versus medical device • ECOO contacted the EC in 2012 and was invited to present at the EC Expert Group meeting • ECOO issued a position and press release and alligned with other stakeholders on the matter • February 2013 Expert Group meeting: ECOO submitted a response to the EMA Scientific Opinion calling for dual classification „Fluorescein Ophthalmic Strips for non-diagnostic purposes“ to be considered medical devices European Forum against Blindness • World Sight Day Further work... European Qualification in Optics • Establish competencies for opticians throughout Europe • Would provide a consensus of European optician’s education • The first steps on a qualification ladder that could lead to optometry